My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a group of children was surrounding her and staring eagerly at the

is

a knife and

Rae.” Julian stopped her and pulled some candles out of a box to the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday.

head of the group, which happened to be a little girl in pigtails, immediately said, “Wish Miss Rachel a Happy

sing the ‘Happy Birthday’

must close her eyes and make a

blow

head to indicate to Julian that there was no need to go

candles and had the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices would have a healing

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

your birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,” a very

to look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even

made a wish. After that, she

you!”

on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed closer and the whole scene was heartwarming

the light of the streetlamp, Rachel finally smiled for the first time

continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of

I never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it never

he changed the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then.

turned and headed toward the

inside her apartment and about to close the

was propped open by a large hand from

head up, Rachel saw Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all the more grotesque by the centipede-like scar on

he out on business?

he slid sideways into the house and shut the door before

see you’ve been getting along

she took two steps back. Why are

he pulled off

you wouldn’t want me to ruin your

approached her, forcing her back inch

no idea what she

arm and pulled, she staggered after him and